Vice President for Student Development

The Vice President for Student Development is responsible for providing vision, leadership, and effective management of all Student Development units and functions. The Vice President is an executive officer of the university and serves as a member of the President's Cabinet. Reporting to the university's provost, the Vice President provides key counsel, especially on matters involving student development, the organizational integration of Student Development into the Division of Academic Affairs, the academic mission, and the overall student experience. The Vice President works closely with the cabinet, provost, deans, faculty, staff, students, and the board of trustees to strengthen a collaborative university-wide effort to provide holistic support to students. The Vice President manages an operating budget of $21 million, leads over 115 professionals, and has ten direct reports, including: the Associate Vice President and Dean of Students (currently under interim leadership); the Vice President for Diversity and Community Engagement; the Director of Student Development and Shared Business Services; the director of Housing and Residence Life administration; the Director of Campus Recreation and Wellness; the Director of Event Services and the Busch Student Center; the Director of the Student Involvement Center; the Director of the Center for Community Engagement; the Director of Campus Ministry; and an executive assistant.

The Vice President is a champion for students and actively promotes opportunities for students to develop leadership capacity, enhancing their engagement as citizens of both the campus and wider communities in which they live and serve. The vice president also maintains a visible presence with the broader university community, trustees, parents, and external constituencies. Other key responsibilities of the vice president include: design and implementation of Student Development programs and services advancing the university's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion; development of programs and other initiatives in collaboration with students, faculty, and staff that promote an active, safe, and healthy social environment; management and efficient allocation of human, financial, and facilities resources designed to achieve Student Development's strategic vision and objectives; oversight of outcomes assessment and analysis, and the communication of results to the campus community; and recruitment, development, and retention of professional and support staff.

An advanced degree in a relevant discipline and a strong academic orientation are essential. A doctorate is preferred. A progressive record of achievement, working within student development and/or student affairs, and substantial experience working with individuals and groups in a residential academic community are required. Significant leadership and management experience in complex higher education environments, including strong financial and budget management skills, is necessary for success.

The ideal candidate will also possess a passionate commitment to the education, development, and empowerment of young people, and the ability to elicit their trust and confidence; a current understanding of student issues and a keen sensitivity to the changing patterns of student experiences and family dynamics; familiarity with legal issues affecting students and the issues, challenges, and trends that affect the management of student-development programs; demonstrated understanding of, and respect for, the Catholic/Jesuit pedagogical tradition; and a record of commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion including demonstrated, measurable achievement in addressing the challenges of a diverse student body. Additional capabilities and experience that will be important considerations in the selection of the vice president of student development include a readiness and willingness to explore innovative approaches to integrating the functions of Student Development with those of the academic units and the Division of Academic Affairs, and experience with fundraising and the stewardship of university donors.

Application and Nomination

To apply for this position please click on the Apply button, complete the brief application process, and upload your resume and position-specific cover letter. Applicants will receive periodic updates regarding the review process and their status as the search advances. Adjustments to the search timeline are being made as the university recalibrates priorities in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. Questions regarding this opportunity or the search process, as well as nominations may be emailed to Valerie B. Szymkowicz at vbs@spelmanjohnson.com.

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